Little Moreton Hall

A glimpse of our 'No Straight Lines' exhibition which comes to a close on 12th July.  

   Little  Moreton Hall is a beautiful 16th Century building with lots of oak beams and panelling which proved to be quite a challenge when we started to hang the pieces.  Using the existing methods  of hanging, pieces were carefully selected to show empathy with the room. It was important not to over crowd the room with too many pieces which meant some work could not be included.  We are fortunate in that we have another exhibition in the Autumn at Waterside in Sale when hopefully these pieces can be seen.

The exhibition has received lots of positive comments and visitors have been very interested to see how the Hall has inspired contemporary textiles.  Please don't miss the opportunity of seeing our exhibition.                          Jen

No Straight Lines

Not long now, setting up day is Monday.  It is always an exciting time when the work is finished and carefully packed into boxes or padded calico bags waiting to be transported to the venue.  We have had months of careful planning and working on our individual pieces but it is only when we actually see the work in its final position do we get a full sense of joy.

No doubt Monday will be exhausting but taking a sneak preview of some of the work I am sure we will be delighted with the overall effect.  If you are in the Congleton area please  come and see our exhibition but do check the National Trust website for opening times.

No Straight Lines runs from 13th May - 12th July 2015

Next Exhibition!

Little Moreton Hall

13th May - 12th July

'No Straight Lines'

Spiral staircase, sloping floors and uneven walls, it is hard to find a straight line inside Little Moreton Hall;  the venue for our next exhibition in May.   The beautifully preserved National Trust, Tudor building influenced the type of work we have made for the exhibition.   Initially it was challenge to come out of the frame and to work with the space but as the creative process progressed we have become more and more excited and although the work isn't all complete yet it looks like it will be a very enjoyable exhibition.                                    

                                                                                           Jen

Elizabeth's Workshop with Anuck Naumann

North Yorkshire was a wonderful setting for the three day workshop with Polish artist Anuck Naumann.  Starting with an A2 piece of white cartridge paper the students were encouraged to 'play' with a variety of art materials like water based inks, matt medium, bleach and the use of found objects for mark making.  These are all materials we know and have used but sometimes we need to use them in a free way to be reminded of their full potential.

The lively patterned papers were folded and cut into the most beautiful little books which encouraged further working into with collage and oil pastels.  The second project was to apply the knowledge and skills to a 'painting' and to introduce acrylic paint.  Developing the ideas further with layers of texture, colour and peeling back (tonking I hear is the correct terminology!) Elizabeth's expertise and love of textiles shone through.  

It was a real treat to hear Elizabeth's detailed talk about the workshop and see her beautiful samples.  She inspired us so much we wanted to rush home and get out our art materials! Three days is very exhausting but to have this time to totally devote to art with no interruption must have been absolute luxury!  Thank you Elizabeth.                                                                                                 Jen

project 3 DRAWING

Project 3 Drawing

Sue, Elizabeth and Jean

The 3rd challenge was a drawing project based on Little Moreton Hall where we had spent a very enjoyable sunny day sketching, taking photographs and absorbing the beautiful building.  I set the challenge to encourage further investigation and possibly new ways of thinking. One drawing was to be monotone, the second a change of scale and the third to was to use non typical drawing materials and avoid a paper background.  

As with all the challenges we have done, it was a delight to see the results and how we had all explored the subject in our own way.  Sometimes we need to be pushed out of our comfort zones and encouraged to challenge ourselves. 

Bridget, Shirley, Shosh and Grazyna

It was a good challenge, everyone enjoyed it and hopefully some of the ideas will be carried further.

Sue has set the next one called 'Construction' .......now what can be done with the collection of items in the plastic wallet???  Jen

Val's visit to India

 

A special treat for us today when Val showed us some of the lovely textiles she had collected during her travels around central India earlier this year. India must be an absolute feast for anyone like us who love cloth, colour and pattern and as Val explained she found it difficult to select, there was so much choice.  One good thing is obliging shopkeepers will ship your purchases home.  With an eye for fabric decoration and local handicrafts Val showed us examples of block printing, tie dying, hand stitching and patchwork, some of which had been made into garments and bags.

An important part of the trip was a visit to The Calico Museum in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, home to five centuries of textiles and regarded as one of the finest in the world. Sadly photography is forbidden, even of the buildings and there are no postcards to buy.  A great disappointment for those who will probably never get the chance to visit.

What is Val going to do with her collection?  Maybe they will inspire her next body of work or maybe she will treasure them as reminders of a wonderful holiday.  Thank you Val, if only we could all go!   Jen                                                                                                                                          

The Garden Museum

A little gem of a place in a converted church, next to Lambeth Palace on the South Bank, London.

Flowers and gardens have always been a source of inspiration but I was particularly interested in a special exhibition curated by Nicola Shulman, writer, historian and Trustee of the Garden Museum, titled 'Fashion and Gardens'.  Exploring the relationship between fashion and garden design from the age of Elizabeth I to London Fashion week this year, the exhibition had beautiful examples of heavily embroidered royal court costume and household items. Philip Treacy, contemporary miliner had loaned a quirky orchid shaped hat and Valentino's evening cape, inspired by wrought iron gates took centre stage.  

Unfortunately no photos of the exhibition but the ones I have included show the museum and the fabulous ceiling of flowers suspended from wires.  Upstairs provides a resource of historical garden equipment and images illustrating social change and how this has affected the garden 

Must mention the fabulous vegetarian cafe and the delightful garden, a little oasis in busy London!  Jen